Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
08:13
In-vitro Reconstitution of Bacterial Ubiquitination and VCP/p97-mediated Elimination
Published on: January 2, 2026
68
Hijacking the Ubl code: bacterial manipulation of ubiquitin-like proteins
Shun-Je Bhark1, Rachel E Lacoursiere1, Jonathan N Pruneda1,2,3
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, U.S.A.
Essays in Biochemistry
|December 8, 2025
Summary
Pathogens like bacteria hijack host ubiquitin (Ub) and Ub-like (Ubl) signaling pathways. This review details how bacteria manipulate Ubl processes, impacting cellular functions and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ubiquitin (Ub) and Ub-like (Ubl) signaling are crucial for eukaryotic cellular processes.
- Dysregulation of Ub/Ubl pathways is linked to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
- Ub/Ubl signaling plays a key role in the innate immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on bacterial manipulation of host Ub-like (Ubl) signaling pathways.
- To highlight specific Ubl processes targeted by bacterial pathogens.
- To underscore the importance of understanding these interactions for disease research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Ub/Ubl signaling and bacterial pathogenesis.
- Analysis of identified bacterial effector proteins that target host Ubl systems.
- Synthesis of information on various Ubl modifications (SUMO, NEDD8, ISG15, UFM1, FAT10, LC3).
Main Results:
- Bacterial pathogens have evolved mechanisms to hijack host Ub/Ubl signaling.
- While Ub manipulation is well-studied, bacterial control of Ubl signaling is an emerging area.
- Multiple Ubl pathways, including SUMO, NEDD8, ISG15, UFM1, FAT10, and LC3, are targeted.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial manipulation of host Ubl signaling is a significant factor in host-pathogen interactions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and identify bacterial Ubl manipulators.
- Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
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